The Cade Cunningham – Jalen Duren relationship is also solid off the court

Since last season, but even more so in recent weeks, the duo Cade Cunningham – Jalen Duren established himself as one of the best in the league. Two Pistons players had a great season, the first, the future face of Nikeaveraged 27.6 points, 9.2 assists, 6.5 rebounds, while the other recorded 19 points and 11.5 rebounds per game.

In addition to their individual performances, which could send them to the All-Star Game, there is a collective chemistry between the two players, especially in the pick-and-roll. For example, Cade Cunningham threw 41 passes to Jalen Duren, who returned them nine times. No player received more passes than a playmaker.

“They learned to help each other”analyzed by JB Bickerstaff in November. “Their pick-and-roll game is perfect, they are aware of the different defenses against them. They read the situation without talking to each other. They observe, position themselves and make quick decisions.”

Travel, travel

This excellent connection on the floors is part of a wider logic. A friendship was born, away from the field, over months, cemented around the journey of the two men. Last summer, they spent a week together, with friends, at a cabin in Colorado, surrounded by nature, biking and fishing.

“It opened my eyes to certain things. I wouldn’t have thought of a trip like this.”believes Jalen Duren that The Athletic. “We were outside, in the woods, with only one TV. There were insects, small mattresses. I would never have done that on my own. I feel like that’s what you want from a friend: to lift your spirits and encourage you to grow. We always learn something with him. He’s passionate about many things, far from basketball. I found myself learning many things.”

It was only the first step as the following month the two men left for Rome for two weeks. “When you travel and go abroad, you see many different things. Being tourists together is great”glisse Cade Cunningham. “Everything was natural”continues the teammate, whose relationship is short with Rashid Wallace also counted.

Before Colorado and Europe, there was Dallas. During the 2024 offseason, the playmaker asks the pivot to join him at his home in Texas to work out together. Duren goes on a trip, meets his teammate’s family, and that’s where the traveling tradition begins. And the link too.

“If he feels like I’ve messed up, he can tell me in any way that suits him and I’m fine with that. And I can also tell him things.”

“He is a real person. He comes from a big family, with solid foundations. I share the same values,” notice the pivot. “If I retired tomorrow, he would still be my friend. I would continue to see him and spend time with him.”

He specifies that experiencing such moments in recent months, “It gives memories, chemistry and camaraderie. So back in Detroit, that translates to floor”. And adds: “We can talk to each other in very tense and intense situations. If he feels like I’m messing up, he can tell me in any way that suits him and I take it well. And I can tell him things too.”

Cade Cunningham confirms. “These trips have allowed us to create a bond, where each person supports each other and also encourages the other to be better. We can help each other improve. We’re brothers, we support each other. That’s all we can ask for, and we’ll take care of the rest on the floor.”